Key Takeaways
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is open to transferring a spacecraft other than the space shuttle Discovery to Houston
- The transfer of Discovery from its current home at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia would depend on safety and budget considerations
- The estimated cost of moving Discovery ranges from $50 million to $150 million, with additional costs for constructing a facility to house the orbiter at Space Center Houston
- Isaacman suggests that an Orion capsule could be transferred to Houston instead of Discovery if cost or safety issues arise
- The NASA administrator expressed support for an executive order on space policy that aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2028 and establish a permanent lunar outpost by 2030
Introduction to the Spacecraft Transfer
The possibility of transferring a spacecraft to Houston has been a topic of discussion in recent months, with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman suggesting that he would be open to transferring a spacecraft other than the space shuttle Discovery. In a December 23 interview on CNBC, Isaacman stated that the transfer of Discovery from its current home at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia would depend on whether it could be done safely and within budget. This statement comes after a provision in the budget reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, included $85 million for a "space vehicle transfer" of a crewed spacecraft to a NASA center involved in the agency’s commercial crew program.
The Cost of Transferring Discovery
The estimated cost of moving Discovery is a significant factor in the decision-making process. According to a letter sent to congressional committees by the Smithsonian Institution, the cost of moving Discovery is estimated to be between $120 million to $150 million, excluding the cost of constructing a facility to house the orbiter at Space Center Houston. However, a Congressional Research Service report estimated the cost of moving Discovery at $50 million to $55 million, while construction of a facility to host the orbiter at Space Center Houston could cost up to $325 million. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz disputed these estimates, claiming that they were more than 10 times higher than estimates from unnamed "experienced private-sector logistics firms."
Alternative Options for Spacecraft Transfer
Isaacman’s comments on Discovery also included the possibility of transferring an Orion capsule to Houston instead of the space shuttle. This option would likely be far simpler and less expensive than moving a shuttle orbiter, as Orion capsules are routinely transported by truck and could be displayed in a smaller, less costly facility. Isaacman stated that if the transfer of Discovery is not feasible, NASA could consider transferring an Orion capsule, which would still allow Johnson Space Center to receive a historic spacecraft. This alternative option highlights the flexibility and adaptability of NASA’s plans for the spacecraft transfer.
NASA’s Space Policy and Future Plans
In addition to discussing the spacecraft transfer, Isaacman also expressed support for an executive order on space policy signed by President Trump. The order sets explicit goals of returning humans to the lunar surface by 2028 and establishing initial elements of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030. Isaacman described the order as "the most significant commitment to American leadership in space since the Kennedy era" and stated that it is "basically saying, let’s build a moon base." While the technical and cost details of such an outpost are not yet clear, the order marks a significant step forward in NASA’s plans for space exploration and development.
Conclusion and Future Directions
In conclusion, the possibility of transferring a spacecraft to Houston is a complex issue that involves considerations of safety, budget, and logistics. While the transfer of Discovery is still a possibility, alternative options such as transferring an Orion capsule are also being considered. As NASA moves forward with its plans for space exploration and development, it is likely that the agency will continue to face challenges and opportunities in the years to come. With the support of the executive order on space policy, NASA is poised to make significant strides in its mission to return humans to the lunar surface and establish a permanent presence in space.